Help your profession prepare for Brexit

As the UK negotiates its exit from the EU, the RIBA is working hard to get the best Brexit deal possible for our members and our profession. The UK needs to find a new role for itself in a fast-changing world. Whatever form it takes, Britain’s new relationship with the EU and the rest of the world will have a profound impact on architects.

In November 2016, we first asked you for your views and your experiences. That survey, the largest and most comprehensive survey of architects since the referendum, gave us crucial insight into the major concerns and opportunities facing architects across the country. That’s why we are now carrying out a second survey of RIBA members. We want to ask you for your views, hear how Brexit is affecting you and make sure that the key priorities of architects are made clear to the politicians and civil servants working on Brexit and what happens once the UK has left the EU.

Last year, two-thirds of architects said they were concerned about the impact of Brexit on their business. Many of you reported delays or cancellations of projects. Over 80% told us that continued access to the best global talent was critical. However, architects were also quick to see the potential opportunities – from new trade agreements with new markets, reform of public procurement and a new deal for public and private sector investment. RIBA members were clear that despite the challenges, Britain can position itself as a global-facing nation and support its world-leading architects to thrive in the post-Brexit market.

Your feedback so far has been critical in supporting our work and we have made significant progress in getting key issues on the table with government; ensuring architects' voices are heard at the highest level in the Brexit debate.

In February, the RIBA published Global by Design, a set of five policy recommendations for government to maintain and strengthen the UK as a global hub for architectural excellence. We have continued to make the case for architecture through research, further policy recommendations and meetings with ministers and officials across Whitehall.

The government is listening. We were pleased that the Brexit White Paper reflected many of the priorities we have shared with ministers, from continuing the mutual recognition of architects’ professional qualifications with the EU and attempting to give certainty to our European colleagues worried about their status here. Your feedback and experiences have been absolutely critical in helping us make the best case for you to government.

RIBA President Ben Derbyshire and I are committed to pressing the case for the profession and making sure your voice is heard. Please take 5 minutes to share your perspectives on the challenges and opportunities you face and how the RIBA can continue to support and represent you.